Héctor Fort ‘to join’ Real Sociedad as Barcelona weigh sale | OneFootball

Héctor Fort is close to joining Real Sociedad from Barcelona, Jijantes reports. The 20-year-old right-back would strengthen the right flank.

La Real moved after deciding Rupérez should regain rhythm with Sanse following a blank season. Fort spent last term on loan at Elche, and while Barcelona rate him, they have been exploring an exit to raise funds for a centre-back. Talks are not complete, but there is optimism.

La Real plan to acquire only a percentage of the player, with a Barcelona buyback also under discussion. Figures circulating in Barcelona point to around 8 million for 50 per cent of his rights, while initial demands from Deco to Erik Bretos were 25 million for 100 per cent.

The push comes as La Real add Sarr on loan from Chelsea. Fort remains in Barcelona, did not feature in the league opener against Elche and will not play on Thursday against Athletic. Sport reports he lunched with agents Arturo Canales and Fernando Solanas on Wednesday after they finalised the operation’s details that morning with Deco at the club’s training ground.

Borussia Dortmund were also interested, yet their move never came close and in Germany the deal is considered off. Fort was also keen on La Real, which helped swing the race.

The defender views Zubieta as a fitting environment for his development. He has senior appearances for Barcelona and Elche and is a Spain youth international. If all goes well, an agreement could be completed in the coming hours.

Source: Diario Vasco

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”